Sebelius named the 48-year-old McKinney to the $86,000-a-year post during a Statehouse news conference this morning. Jenkins is leaving the job after defeating Democrat Nancy Boyda for the 2nd District seat in Congress on Nov. 4.

A Greensburg Democrat, McKinney was appointed to the House in May 1992 and has been minority leader since 2002.

Sebelius said McKinney's familiarity with state budget issues made him a good choice for the position, calling him "a strong leader who cares about the obstacles Kansans face.''

Speculation was that Sebelius would pick a fellow Democrat to finish the remaining two years of Jenkins' term, serving until the next scheduled election in 2010.

The state law that gives the governor authority to name a replacement doesn't mention party affiliation. -----

Jenkins served in the Kansas House and Senate before being elected treasurer in 2002, defeating Democrat Sally Finney. Jenkins was elected to a second term in 2006, defeating Larry Wilson.

McKinney's replacement will be chosen by Democratic leaders in his district and take office in January. ___

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